Coach Sean Payton said Wednesday that third-team quarterback Sean Canfield would start and get most of the reps tonight against the Titans, backed up by Chase Daniel.

Rusty Costanza / The Times-PicayuneThird-stringer Sean Canfield will start Thursday night when the New Orleans saints play the Tennessee Titans.

"Our plan is somewhat similar to last year," Payton said. "We'll mix guys in there. There'll be some starters playing. There'll be some guys playing who aren't starters in the beginning part of the game. A lot of guys will get a lot of playing time.

"We'll try to get some of the veteran players, or guys who have been starters, some playing time. Specifically we'll try to get Tracy Porter snaps. We'll try to get Roman Harper snaps. Will Smith will take snaps. Carl Nicks will take snaps. There'll be a handful of those players that may not have had the snap count in this preseason that normally they would have."

Payton said he wasn't sure that defensive end Jeff Charleson (ankle) will be able to play. Charleson was not at practice Wednesday.

Of note was the return of defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin to practice. He sustained a sprained left media collateral ligament against the Texans in Game 2.

Receiver Lance Moore (groin) was back at practice Wednesday, as were running back Pierre Thomas and Daniel who did not wok Tuesday.

Rookie defensive end Cameron Jordan was once again not at practice Wednesday. Payton indicated Tuesday that injury was the reason for Jordan's absence, but did not elaborate.

Injured kicker Garrett Hartley was also not at practice Wednesday.

Smith, who missed for personal reasons Tuesday, was back at work Wednesday.